Biography of a Phantom

"Biography of a Phantom" explores musicologist Mack McCormick’s decades-long quest to uncover the true story of blues legend Robert Johnson, whose life remains shrouded in mystery and legend. The book details McCormick’s extensive research into Johnson’s background, his untimely death, and the broader context of racial and social issues in Mississippi. Featuring insights from Smithsonian curator John W. Troutman, the work also examines the complex legacy of those who have sought to shape Johnson’s story and influence the history of the blues.